This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.This material reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein

Aims: The major aim of this study was to assess existing inequalities in health of Lithuanian population and to present the process of health policy development as a major tool for reducing inequalities. The objectives were: to present life expectancy and mortality trend analysis in comparison with other European countries; to demonstrate risk profi le of Lithuanian population to major noncommunicable diseases related to social inequalities and inequities in health; and to present the process of National health policy development as potential for effective reduction of inequalities in health of Lithuanian population.

Methods: Information about demographic, general health situation and inequalities in health was obtained from Lithuanian Department of Statistics, National Health Information Centre and research studies performed at Kaunas University of Medicine

Reviewer's comments on the document:

Implementation of balanced national health policy involving all sectors of the society is the solution. And it is very close to our project theme to find similarities and differencies in Europe.There are strong economic arguments for investing in health at population level and the benefits of reducing health inequalities are beginning to be recognised in economic terms. Furthermore, the recent
project finansed from the European Commission: Reducing health inequalities in the EU is an indication of a focus on health inequalities at EU level.
The evidence presented here paves the way for further exploration at EU and member state level to analyse in economic terms the health impacts of policies that address the social determinants of health. Such work can help to provide further evidence to support the argument that targeted investment to address health inequalities by action on the social determinants of health is more cost effective than paying for the consequences of health inequalities.